Remember that childhood crush who was also your tee-ball teammate? For Ohio State’s Ryan and Nina Day, that dream became a reality! Their incredible journey from New Hampshire playgrounds to college football’s biggest stages is a true testament to enduring love. But how do you keep a relationship strong through 11 moves and the pressures of elite sports?
Before achieving prominence at the pinnacle of college football, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina Day, shared a humble beginning as childhood sweethearts in Manchester, New Hampshire. Their remarkable journey, which commenced on the tee-ball fields of their youth, has since evolved into a resilient partnership navigating the demanding landscape of elite American football. This enduring bond forms the bedrock of their family life, offering a compelling narrative of commitment and shared aspirations.
Their connection was forged early, growing up merely a mile and a half apart, attending the same elementary, middle, and high schools. Nina often recounts a poignant anecdote from her seventh-grade year, where she penned a note declaring her intention to marry Ryan—a testament to their deep, foundational friendship that preceded any romantic entanglement. This prophetic sentiment underscored a relationship built on mutual understanding and unwavering companionship, a rarity in the transient world of sports.
The couple’s path continued through higher education at the University of New Hampshire, where Ryan excelled as the football team’s quarterback. While their relationship experienced intermittent phases, it firmly re-established itself post-graduation, leading to their marriage in June 2005. This period marked the formal commencement of their adult lives together, intertwining their personal and professional trajectories as Ryan embarked on his coaching career within NCAA Football.
Ryan Day’s coaching ascent, from collegiate roles at Boston College and Temple to NFL stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, presented significant challenges for the growing family. Nina Day candidly shared the immense strain of relocating 11 times within a 15-year span, often coinciding with the arrival of their three children: RJ, Grace, and Nia. This nomadic existence underscored the sacrifices inherent in a coach’s career, demanding extraordinary adaptability from the entire household.
The constant geographical shifts profoundly impacted their children, particularly their eldest son, RJ. Nina revealed that RJ attended seven different elementary schools between first and fifth grade, highlighting the instability that became a consistent feature of their early family life. Despite these disruptions, the couple prioritized creating a supportive environment, striving to maintain normalcy amidst the continuous upheaval inherent in following Ryan’s professional ambitions as a College Football Coach.
Further trials emerged during the unprecedented COVID-19 impacted college football season, when Ryan Day made the difficult decision to live separately for three months to mitigate contagion risks. Nina Day described these weeks as exceptionally difficult, despite Ryan being present for some family milestones for the first time. The emotional toll of this separation and the constant uncertainty exemplified the unique pressures faced by families at the highest echelons of professional athletics.
Throughout their public life, both Ryan and Nina have openly supported each other, with Nina often providing a personal perspective on the realities of their lives. From celebrating on the field after significant victories like the Rose Bowl to Nina publicly defending Ryan against unfounded social media rumors regarding his facial hair, their unity remains evident. Ryan frequently reflects on their journey, sharing moments like comparing family photos taken years apart, affirming their continued strength and growth as a unit dedicated to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Their story serves as a testament to an enduring partnership, proving that love and dedication can indeed thrive amidst the demanding and often unpredictable world of Sports Marriages.
